Casper College Bans Indoor E-Cigarette Use

Casper College has adopted a new smoking policy, banning the use of electronic cigarettes in campus buildings.

The Casper College Board of Trustees, in a brief meeting Tuesday night, adopted the policy changes. The newer and more comprehensive policy replaces one that was put into place in 1990, and amended in 2003, which is only two sentences long.

"Casper College prohibits smoking in any interior public areas, including offices, restrooms and other common areas, and in all College vehicles. Smoking is not permitted within the campus residence halls or campus apartments."

-Casper College original smoking policy; Effective 1990, Amended 2003

The new definition, adopted at Tuesday's meeting, includes more comprehensive definitions of what constitutes "smoking" as well as a specific list of prohibited areas, permitted areas and disciplinary actions that can be taken against offenders.

Under the new policy, smoking is, in part, defined as "carrying or holding of any lit or ignited pipe, cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, or any other lit or battery operated smoking equipment or device." The act of smoking is, further, said to be prohibited "within, buildings, structures, or vehicles owned, leased or rented by the college."

Students, staff and visitors to Casper College may still indulge in smoking on campus, provided that they are outdoors, and at least ten feet from building entrances, exits, windows and air-intakes.

"Our old policy didn't really give us a whole lot of information to define 'smoking,'" says Dr. Laura Driscoll, Casper College Executive Dean of Continuing Education and chair of the Casper College Policy Committee. "We did expand it to include electronic cigarettes. It's been a little bit confusing on campus if we allow them or not, so this provides some clarity."

College employees and students found in violation of the new policy can be subject to disciplinary action, and could include possible termination or expulsion. Visitors found in violation may be asked to leave college property. The policy also provides that any individual found in violation may be subject to criminal proceedings.